New Rampant Windows Worm

[TerryW]

This has just hit the BBC News. Some of you may already be aware but if not, make sure you are secure, its a nasty virus

Infections of a worm that spreads through low security networks, memory sticks, and PCs without the latest security updates is "skyrocketing".

The malicious program, known as Conficker, Downadup, or Kido was first discovered in October 2008.

Anti-virus firm F-Secure estimates there are now 8.9m machines infected.

Experts warn this figure could be far higher and say users should have up-to-date anti-virus software and install Microsoft's MS08-067 patch.

See

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7832652.stm

http://www.dailytech.com/New+Rampant+Windows+Worm+Seizes+8+Million+Business+PCs+in+a+Week/article13981.htm

Make sure you have the latest Microsoft Updates, this is a very nasty virus. Make sure any PC's or Laptops that you do not use on a regular basis are also updated the latest Microsoft release.

Use this link  using Internet Explorer to check your PC .........

http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate

[riggers]

Thanks for the info Terry, i think that worm is inside my computer already. I don't seem to get long on line now before freezing up. Maybe because Norton is running out.I am getting endless messages to renew.

riggers....................

[Eggy]

Thanks Terry

I'll make sure Wegg reads your posting.

Negg

[ColinD]

Hi Terry,

May I ask where this info came from? I suspect it is a hoax, as I have looked on Microsoft's update site (not by clicking on the links you provided, but by going direct to their site), and there doesn't seem to be any info on MS08-067.  In fact, all their updates start KB.

If you got the info by email, it is almost certainly a hoax.  There's a lot of them about.

Regards,
Colin

[TerryW]

It's definitely not a hoax, Colin.

It is on many news websites and you will never find Microsoft admitting that they have yet another security vulnerability.

If you click on the links as shown on the initial message you will see where the info came from.

I have seen the virus on a few PC's and it is quite difficult to remove.

[ColinD]

Hi Terry,

You are absolutely right.  I have just seen the warning on MSN website too, and it does indeed seem to be genuine.  It's just my suspicious nature, I'm afraid. I have been sent many hoaxes in the past, both in emails and on forums I visit, and when I checked Microsoft update site there didn't seem any mention of it.

I'm on my own computer now, which appears to be ok, but I was on Lynn's laptop earlier as she passed it to me when she saw your message.  We are both up to date with our Microsoft updates, and we both have anti-virus protection too, and a firewall in the router we both use.  Hopefully thet's enough.

Thanks for passing on the warning.

All the best,
Colin.